A free ventilation is of importance, and by closing with a humid
atmosphere early in the evening a vigorous growth will be promoted.
Liberal shifts to be given to such plants as may now require them,
before their roots become matted. Remove all plants intended for bedding
out, and let them remain for a short time under the protection of a cold
frame, or in beds hooped over, and covered at night with mats, or other
such protecting materials. This gradually-hardening-off will better
enable them to withstand unfavourable weather, if it should occur after
they are planted out.
Azaleas.--All irregularities of growth should be corrected by pruning.
We have lately seen the beneficial effects of close pruning on such
plants; they had been cut in severely last season by removing strong,
straggling branches of old wood, to give some a spherical and others
a pyramidal form. When pruned, the ball was reduced, the plant fresh
potted in a smaller-sized pot, and the peat soil rammed as hard as
it was possible to make it; then watered, and introduced to heat. The
plants treated in that manner are now covered with bloom, and in a high
state of vigour.
Heaths.--Keep the tops pinched off, to form bushy plants.
New Holland Plants.--Some of them of weak growth, and which naturally
make long, straggling shoots, are much improved by bending down the
branches, and fixing them to a wire hoop, or string attached to the
rim of the pot. By such means the nakedness of the plant at its base is
hidden, and the check imposed on the ascent of the sap will induce an
increased supply of shoots. Pick off the seed-pods as the plants go out
of bloom. Cut back and arrange the shoots in the best manner, to produce
compact growth.
Pelargoniums.--All that are showing bloom, unless of very gross habit,
will receive benefit from a supply of a little weak manure water. For
that purpose put cow, horse, or sheepdung into a tub, and to one peck
add five gallons of rain or other soft water. When taking it for use
draw it off clear, and give the plants a watering twice a week. Give air
freely, shut up early, and syringe the plants overhead till the flowers
expand, when syringing should be discontinued. As the petals are apt to
drop very soon in hot weather, it is recommended to touch the centre
of the flower with a camel-hair pencil, or small feather, dipped in gum
water, which will stick the petals together and prolong the blooming.
Such is the general practice at our metropolitan exhibitions.